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MCICOM Becomes a Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Organization is the first Marine Corps Command to Support the Program

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM) recently announced its participation in the Vietnam War Commemorative Program. Congress authorized the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) to plan and execute the program in conjunction with the war’s 50th anniversary.

The Commemorative Program focuses on thanking and honoring veterans and their families for the sacrifices they made during the Vietnam. In all, 58,259 U.S. servicemen and women were killed in conflict and another 153,363 were wounded.

MCICOM is participating through the Commemorative Partner program, which includes a commitment to hold two events annually from 2015-2017 that “recognize Vietnam Veterans and their families’ service, valor and sacrifice.” It is the first Marine Corps Command to become a partner.

Major General Juan G. Ayala, Commander of MCICOM said the organization’s involvement was especially fitting due to the role played by the Marine Corps during the war: “The U.S. Marine Corps provided ground, air, supply and logistic support in Vietnam for over two decades as part of III Marine Amphibious Force. Our Marines bravely fought the Viet Cong forces time and time again, such as during the battles of Hue City and Khe Sanh to name a few examples. The Marine Corps protected countless Americans and South Vietnamese during the war: 57 Marines were awarded a Medal of Honor; 13,000 Marines gave their lives protecting others.”

Other program goals include highlighting the contributions made by federal agencies, private organizations and regular citizens to the war effort, and drawing attention to the technological, scientific and medical advances made as a result of military research performed during the war.